Inorganic
Nitrate in your water
Health effects
Nitrate enters water mainly from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and animal waste. High levels can interfere with the blood's ability to carry oxygen, a special danger for infants. Long-term low-level exposure has also been linked to elevated cancer risk in some studies.
The guideline vs. the legal limit
The federal legal limit is the maximum allowed by law. The EWG health guideline is what independent scientists consider safe — it is often far stricter.
Health guideline (EWG)
0.14 ppm
Federal legal limit (MCL)
10 ppm
Source: EWG Tap Water Database & EPA MCLs · 2026
What removes Nitrate
APEC Water Systems · Reverse Osmosis Systems
APEC RO-90 Ultimate 5-Stage RO (90 GPD)
- gpd
- 90
- stages
- 5
- membrane
- FILMTEC TFC
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Is Nitrate in your water?
Check your city's public record, then book a free 30-minute test to confirm what's in your home.